The Office for National Statistics released its retail sales data for the U.K. on Thursday. Retail sales in the U.K. climbed 0.9% in May, exceeding expectations for a 0.2% gain, after a 1.9% rise in April. April's figure was revised up from a 1.3% increase.

The increase was mainly driven by a rise in clothing and footwear.

Food sales were up 1.1% in May, while non-food store sales increased 0.7%.

On a yearly basis, retail sales in the U.K. jumped 6.0% in May, beating forecasts of a 3.9% increase, after a 5.2% rise in April. April's figure was revised up from a 4.3% gain.